Gabriela sees sexism, misogyny in PCG's 'angels' ops in West Philippine Sea

The Gabriela party-list has criticized the Philippine Coast Guard's 'Angels of the Sea' operations, claiming that it "trivialized" the dispute in the West Philippine Sea.

Gabriela party-list Representative Arlene Brosas made the remark came following the PCG's plan to deploy over 80 female radio operators in the area to tell off intruders.

The PCG hoped that the female voices would be "soothing" and appeal to the "maternal" senses of those in the foreign vessels.

"It's infuriating how the government continuously shrugs off the intensifying foreign military operations in our very own territory," Brosas said in a statement.

"Kahit pa boses ni Moira Dela Torre ang gamitin ng gobyerno, hindi masosolusyonan ang isyu sa West Philippine Sea kung 'piece of paper' lang para kay President Duterte ang historic arbitral ruling laban sa China," she added.

She added that such operation was "a futile attempt to mask the sexist and misogynystic nature of the Duterte government."

"Patunay lamang ito na napakababa ng tingin ni Duterte sa mga kababaihan at ito lang ang tingin niya na kaya nitong mai-ambag sa usapin ng pulitika at pambansang soberanya," Brosas said.

"The Duterte administration's failure to do anything significant to push back against foreign aggressions will only further embolden China to make a mockery of our sovereignty," she added.

"We urge all patriotic Filipino people to continue to pressure our government and take a stand to protect the sovereignty of our country," Brosas said.

Earlier, the PCG announced that at least 81 PCG female radio operators have graduated from a training school.

“The Command recognizes the evolving unique importance of having female radio operators aboard PCG vessels and shorebased units, especially in communicating with foreign ships, so as not to elevate tension," Deputy Commandant for Operations, Vice Admiral Leopoldo Laroya said.

"We want our Angels of the Sea to become the voice of peaceful and rules-based order at sea, especially in our country's  sensitive maritime frontiers,” he added.

According to the PCG, the Angels of the Sea is among the initiatives of the command in "providing equal opportunities to all members of the uniformed service so they could play their niche roles in securing the nation together as one at sea." —NB, GMA News